Flames sign point guard Berger as first import
The Sydney Flames are excited to unveil their first import of the WNBL26 season is point guard Grace Berger.
The United States guard, who joins the Hoops Capital club on a one-year deal, is the sixth player signed to Guy Molloy’s squad, joining Lauren Nicholson, Shaneice Swain, Emma Clarke, Agnes Emma-Nnopu and Carla Pitman.
“I’m excited to have the chance to play for a club like the Flames, which I’ve heard so many great things about, particularly from my friend Celeste Taylor, who obviously played with the team last season,” said Berger.
“Celeste had a great experience in Sydney and in the WNBL, saying both helped elevate her game, and I’m confident that will happen for me too.
“Not only that, everyone says Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so I’m excited to experience that too.”
READ MORE: FOR THE CAPITAL – SYDNEY’S OFF-SEASON DIARIES
Born in Louisville, United States, Berger played her junior hoops in Kentucky, seeing her attend Sacred Heart Academy during high school.
These four years culminated in her earning Courier-Journal Athlete of the Year, Kentucky All-Star and Seventh Region Player of the Year honours as a senior, after averaging 15.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists and leading Sacred Heart back to the regional final.
This success led to her playing college basketball at Indiana for five years, producing averages of 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game across her 148 appearances.
During this time, Berger was named to the First-Team All-Big Ten (2020–2023) on four occasions, while guiding the Hoosiers to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance during the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
Her impressive collegiate career saw Berger selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.
Across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Berger suited up with the Fever on 47 occasions.
This time in the United States was followed by stints with Spain’s Gernika KESB and Turkey’s OGM Ormanspor.
With this resume – which also includes spending the past few months with the Minnesota Lynx – to her name, Berger knows she can be a massive asset to the Hoops Capital side, while also continuing to elevate her own game.
“Coming in as the point guard, I know it’s important for me to be vocal and that extension of the coach on the court,” said the 26-year-old guard, who believes the WNBL style suits her game.
“It’ll be up to me to get us into our offence and put my teammates in their best position to succeed on offence, while also setting the tone on defence.
“[Further to that] plenty of WNBA players whom I’m familiar with have used the WNBL to catapult their careers, which combined with the great development system that the Flames have in place, feels like the perfect place for me and my teammates to take our games to the next level and become the best players we can be.
“Personally, each year as a professional, my game has continued to grow, and I’m confident that will continue in Sydney, as we aim to win another championship for the city.”
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Coach Guy Molloy is thrilled to add a player of Berger’s pedigree and work ethic to his squad.
“Grace was a big-time college star, that’s had a strong pro career so far, and we’re excited to have her in Sydney this season, as we feel she can add a lot to the program,” Molloy said.
“Her work rate and attitude are incredible, while also being someone who can create her own shot and handle the ball – not to mention having a reputation as a ‘mid-range master’, which is a tool that not many players have in today’s modern game.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to about her says she’s also an amazing teammate and willing to do whatever is needed for success, which aligns perfectly with our Flames ethos.
“All in all, I know she’s someone all the Flames fans will love and is going to help us to get to where we want to be as a team and club.”
Stay up to date with all the Hoops Capital club’s off-season news here.